Each year, a minimum percentage of covered pipeline employees must be randomly tested for prohibited drugs. The percentage, either 50 percent or 25 percent, depends on the positive rate of random testing reported to RSPA in the previous year. In accordance with applicable standards, RSPA has determined that the positive rate of random testing reported this year for testing in calendar year 2000 was less than 1.0 percent. Therefore, in calendar year 2002, the minimum annual percentage rate for random drug testing is 25 percent of covered employees. Therefore, effective January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2002, at least 25 percent of covered employees must be randomly drug tested.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: L. M. Furrow by phone at 202-366-4559, by fax at 202-366-4566, by mail at U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590, or by e-mail at buck.furrow@rspa.dot.gov.